Mikoy Morales calls Michael V an efficient director

CEBU, Philippines — Actor-musician Mikoy Morales proves to be a keen observer, taking the opportunity to learn from those who came before him in the industry. This time around, the 25-year-old Kapuso talent got the chance to see comedy pillar Michael V in a new light.

The “Protégé: The Battle For The Big Artista Break” alum is among the cast members of “Family History,” a film directed, written, produced and starred in by Michael V, fondly called Bitoy by peers and fans. It is Bitoy’s directorial debut and the first project by his own production company, Mic Test, with wife Carol Bunagan, in partnership with GMA Pictures (formerly GMA Films).

Following Bitoy’s talk for the GMA Regional TV initiative dubbed the “Masterclass Series” on July 19 at Cebu Parklane Hotel, Mikoy joined the press conference at Golden Cowrie Lahug, where he took the opportunity to commend his senior whom he has worked with since 2015 in the longest-running gag show “Bubble Gang.”

“Very efficient,” Mikoy said of Bitoy as a director. He shared how the “Pepito Manaloto” star was a considerate filmmaker who has an eye for details. Instead of cutting an actor’s emotions short to shoot a different angle, Bitoy likes to make the most of his talent’s efforts and not waste any second of it.

“Kitang-kita ang pagiging considerate niya sa actors lalo na sa maraming takes, yung buong script ilang beses niyo uulitin niyon,” said Mikoy, who plays a band member and a good friend to Miguel Tanfelix’s character, Bitoy’s only child in the film.

Mikoy added that apart from its efficiency, the set was also safe enough for people to collaborate. He lauded Bitoy’s preparedness and his willingness to listen.

Interestingly, “Family History” is not in-your-face comedy, far from what is expected of a genius of the genre. Remaining tight-lipped about the premise, the movie is essentially centered on the family and the dynamic relationships that is formed in the household whether between partners, or between a parent and a child, and therein is comedy added.

Also starring Dawn Zulueta, Bianca Umali, Nonie Buencamino, Ina Feleo and Kakai Bautista, with cameos by Dingdong Dantes, John Estrada and Eugene Domingo, “Family History” is Graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board and will premiere tomorrow in cinemas nationwide.

“For this project, naramdaman ko ang giddiness ni Kuya Bitoy,” Mikoy observed, likening his director and co-star to a child who was just given his favorite toy. “Parang dito ko lang siya nakita na in complete control and on ground. Ramdam sa set, lahat excited. Lalo na sa first day.  Ramdam yung electricity sa set.”

Last July 16, Mikoy happened to post about “Family History” on his Instagram account, writing about the formula used when promoting a film, saying that it remains the same time and again. For “Family History,” Mikoy said that no PR could ever speak for the material created by the award-winning comedian.

“Yes, this post is an attempt to promote the movie pero ano pa ba sasabihin ko? People see people promote something every day. Tadtad na yung timelines natin ng ads, ayoko nang sumabay,” began Mikoy, who also scores movies and is part of the ongoing Ricky Lee Scriptwriting Workshop.

“Why watch a Michael V. movie? Eh nasa sa’yo na yun. Pero teka, hetong tanong/sagot ko talaga: Why would Michael V. make such a movie? Why would he put up his own production house with his wife, @ayoito, and team up with GMA Pictures and produce this film? As a staple of comedy, why take a risk on this material? Why now? Why only now? Why during this weird ‘shift’ in Philippine cinema kung saan hindi na guaranteed kumita ang pelikula kahit na may malalaking artista? What’s his intention in creating this story and in making the movie? Anong paniniwala niya sa paggawa ng isang pelikula? Siguro yan yung mga tanungin natin, tapos panoorin at pagusapan.”

“But I believe that not one stint can justify a material. We must let our curiosity decipher and decide for ourselves what we really want to see.”

Bitoy himself admitted that Mikoy’s post struck him. And he answered the question saying that “Family History” was “a worthy project” not only for his company and GMA Pictures, but for Philippine cinema in general.

It would be safe to say that Mikoy looks up to Bitoy, a celebrated comedian and a one-of-a-kind artist who not only brings the house down with his wisecracks but also with his brilliant writing and contributions as a creative.

When talk came to pursuing creative passions regardless if that industry is lucrative or not, Mikoy is on the same page as Bitoy who said that it depends on the situation. He said that in this age, no one is certain for sure that a particular career won’t put food on the table. He cited a quote from composer Ryan Cayabyab, one of his greatest mentors.

“Don’t have a fallback. Kapag may fallback ka, maga-ground ka pabalik ng practicality. If wala kang fallback, you will go all out sa passion mo, sa gusto mong gawin,” said Mikoy.